Fansided

Each NFL team’s most important game in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

Chicago Bears outside linebackers Khalil Mack (52) and Leonard Floyd (94) sack Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on December 16, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images)
Chicago Bears outside linebackers Khalil Mack (52) and Leonard Floyd (94) sack Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on December 16, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – MAY 23: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) makes a one handed pass reception during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – MAY 23: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) makes a one handed pass reception during New England Patriots offseason organized team activities at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on May 23, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

New England Patriots: Week 9 at Baltimore Ravens

It’s not going out on a limb to say that the most important game for 31 other teams in this league would be to face the defending Super Bowl champions. In 2019, at least during the regular season, 13 different clubs will get the opportunity to square off with the New England Patriots at least once. For Bill Belichick and company, it is in the familiar position of being defending NFL champions. The 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in early February at Atlanta was the team’s third NFL title in the past five seasons.

But that was 2018 and it’s on to ‘19 for the franchise from Foxborough. After opening the season on the Sunday night at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers, four of the team’s next six games are against their AFC East rivals – including a pair with the New York Jets. But it’s a Week 9 prime time affair at Baltimore that kicks off an interesting stretch for Belichick’s team. John Harbaugh’s Ravens have always given New England fits, regardless of where the clubs have played.

The Patriots are off the following week but then continue what amounts to a five-game stretch against playoff teams from 2018. There’s a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles in Philadelphia, followed by home date with the Cowboys, a Sunday night tilt at Houston and then an AFC Championship Game rematch with the Chiefs in Foxborough.

That’s a tough set of games for any team. Of course, the Patriots aren’t just any team. But it will be very intriguing considering Belichick’s club did struggle away from home (until it counted most) in ’18.

Next: New Orleans Saints

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